4 key ways Panthers QB Baker Mayfield has impressed this offseason

Carolina Panthers have a rejuvenated Baker Mayfield

It would have been easy for Baker Mayfield to cut a forlorn figure upon joining the Carolina Panthers. Almost everyone wrote him off after the Cleveland Browns secured Deshaun Watson and there didn’t appear to be a queue of suitors willing to take a chance before Scott Fitterer came calling.

Thankfully, his character wouldn’t allow it.

Mayfield was eager to join the Panthers after speaking with Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule. This was an instant chance to start straight away and it’s not like the cupboard is bare regarding weapons for the signal-caller in Carolina.

He looks rejuvenated after successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. The stars could be aligning for Mayfield to do some real damage next season, but building early momentum with so many home games to begin the campaign is of critical importance.

This is one last roll of the dice for Rhule, one suspects. Another failed season in 2022 is likely to come with severe consequences, so there is urgency across the board to finally get the Panthers on the right track.

There are plenty of personal incentives for Mayfield, too. He is now in the final year of his rookie deal, so the player is seeking either a bigger commitment from Carolina next year, perhaps the franchise tag, or perform well enough to generate legitimate interest from elsewhere.

Either way, you won’t be able to take your eyes off it from start to finish.